Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • UNIBEN Hosts 6th Biennial International Conference on Franco-Nigerian Studies; TASUED Scholar Wins Emerging Scholar Award

    UNIBEN Hosts 6th Biennial International Conference on Franco-Nigerian Studies; TASUED Scholar Wins Emerging Scholar Award

    By Majekodunmi Oseriemen Ebhohon

    The Department of Foreign Languages at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has concluded its 6th Biennial International Conference, drawing scholars, researchers, and cultural practitioners from across Africa to deliberate on regional integration and language education.

    The three-day academic summit, held from May 17 to 19, 2026, centered on the theme: “Franco-Nigerian Literature, Language and Culture.” Throughout the event, participants examined the vital intersections of language, literature, and cross-border cooperation within the West African sub-region.

    Cultural Opening Ceremony
    The event commenced with a vibrant exhibition of arts and culture. Students from the University of Benin Demonstration Staff School (UDSS) and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Staff School delivered a diverse repertoire of French songs and poems. This performance was seamlessly followed by traditional Benin cultural dances executed by the Edorisiagbon Theatre Troupe.

    In her welcome address, the Conference Convener, Professor Ngozi Obiajulum Iloh, traced the history and institutional growth of the biennial gathering. To foster continued research excellence, Professor Iloh announced incentive packages specifying cash prizes of ₦100,000 each for the Best Paper Award and the Emerging Scholar Award.

    An unprecedented delegation of the university’s principal officers attended the ceremony to represent the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN. The management team included the Deputy Vice-Chancellors: Professor Christopher Osubor (Administration), Professor Victor O. Igbineweka (Academics), and Professor Buniyamin Adesina Ayinde (Ekenwan Campus). The Registrar, Ms. Bimpe Omoyiwola, and the Bursar, Mr. Osagie Iguma Uwagboe Osifo, were also in attendance.

    The Vice-Chancellor’s office formally declared the conference open, urging delegates to sustain a high register of intellectual engagement to generate actionable policy blueprints.

    Call for French Language Reforms
    Addressing the opening session, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Osarhieme Benson Osadolor, advocated for a systemic overhaul of Nigeria’s national language policy.

    Professor Osadolor emphasized that French language education must be structurally integrated into the academic curriculum from the primary school level straight through to the university tier. This policy shift, he argued, is critical to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with neighboring Francophone nations, specifically the Benin Republic, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

    Reflecting on institutional continuity, Professor Austin Moye—the fifth convener of the conference series who returned as the Special Guest of Honour following his retirement in November 2025—commended the Department of Foreign Languages for preserving its long-standing tradition of collaborative scholarship. He praised Professor Ngozi O. Iloh and her Local Organizing Committee for the logistical execution of the program.

    Additionally, members of the Alumni 1986 Set paid tribute to their former lecturers and donated a new projector to the department, which was received by the Head of Department, Dr. Osas Emokpae-Ogbebor.

    Keynote Address Explores Franco-Nigerian Literature
    The intellectual anchor of the conference was a keynote lecture delivered by Professor Ramonu Sanusi, who mapped the evolution of Franco-Nigerian literature and its impact on regional identity.

    Professor Sanusi provided a critical overview of Nigerian creative works written in or translated into French, highlighting the foundational and contemporary contributions of writers such as Françoise Balogun, Victor Ariole, Lynn Mbuko, Tunde Fatunde, Omonigho Stella, and Waliya Yohanna Joseph.

    He posited that Nigerian authors writing in French do not discard their cultural heritage; instead, they integrate indigenous expressions, proverbs, and philosophical worldviews into the language, creating a distinct, translingual African literary identity.

    Furthermore, Professor Sanusi characterized translation as an active form of cultural mediation rather than a passive linguistic transfer. He noted that digital publishing platforms and online academic networks are rapidly breaking down traditional gatekeeping barriers, expanding the scope of modern Franco-Nigerian literary scholarship.

    TASUED Lecturer Wins Emerging Scholar Award
    The conference concluded with the presentation of peer-reviewed honors to outstanding contributors.

    Rev. Sister Martha N. Chia won the Best Paper Award, which came with a cash prize of ₦100,000. Meanwhile, Miss Ruth Damilola Adeoye, a first-class graduate and current lecturer in the Department of French at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), won the prestigious Emerging Scholar Award. Her paper presentation was highly commended by the panel of judges for its originality, methodological rigor, and distinct contribution to foreign language research.

    In her remarks after receiving the prize, Miss Adeoye described the conference as a vital platform for early-career academics to interface directly with established professors in the discipline.

    Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of TASUED, Professor Samuel Oladipo, stated that the award reflects the institution’s commitment to research excellence, urging younger faculty members to remain dedicated to impactful academic inquiries.

    The communiqué issued at the close of the conference called for comprehensive curriculum reforms, increased institutional funding for translation studies, and deeper collaborative networks among African researchers and academic institutions.

  • Mideast in Pictures: Wounded and displaced, Gaza’s disabled boy struggles to survive

    Mideast in Pictures: Wounded and displaced, Gaza’s disabled boy struggles to survive

     

    GAZA:  (Xinhua)/Flowerbudnews- Akram Sharif al-Fayoumi was only 11 years old when an Israeli military strike tore through the Shuja’iyya neighborhood of Gaza City in August 2024, leaving him without his left arm and his right leg. He now lives in a tent.

    Like thousands of children across Gaza, Akram has joined a generation marked by permanent physical loss. At least 21,000 children in the territory have been disabled since the conflict began, among them thousands who have undergone amputations, according to the United Nations human rights office. The office said those injuries have resulted largely from the use of explosive weapons in densely populated residential areas.

    For many of those children, survival has given way to a new and grinding struggle. Medical supplies are scarce.

    Rehabilitation services are overwhelmed or nonexistent. Prosthetics and assistive devices are rarely available. Akram and his family remain displaced in western Gaza City, where he waits, as so many others do, with little clarity about what comes next.

     

     

  • PDP declares Sen. Lado-Danmarke as gubernatorial candidate in Katsina

    PDP declares Sen. Lado-Danmarke as gubernatorial candidate in Katsina

     

     

    By Abbas Bamalli

    Katsina:  The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State has officially declared Yakubu Lado-Danmarke as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

    The declaration was made by the party’s returning officer, Nuraddeen Sani-Kankara, during the party’s gubernatorial primary election held in Katsina.

    Announcing the result before party delegates and stakeholders, Sani-Kankara said the exercise was conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, the PDP constitution, and the party’s electoral guidelines.

    According to him, a total of 77,085 delegates were accredited for the exercise, while 77,013 valid votes were recorded in favour of Senator Lado-Danmarke.

    “Having conducted the governorship primary election of the party and after collation of results from the accredited delegates, I hereby announce that Lado-Danmarke scored 77,013 votes,” he declared.

    He explained that 72 accredited delegates were unable to participate in the voting process as accreditation had closed before their arrival.

    “With the majority of lawful votes cast at this primary election, I hereby affirm and declare Lado-Danmarke as the consensus candidate of the PDP for the forthcoming 2027 governorship election,” he added.

    In his remarks, the state PDP Chairman, Nura Amadi-Kurfi, said the party resolved to adopt Sen. Lado-Danmarke as a consensus candidate in the interest of cohesion, stability and electoral success.

    The chairman described Lado-Danmarke as an experienced politician with the capacity to reposition the state and provide purposeful leadership.

    In his acceptance speech, Sen. Lado-Danmarke expressed gratitude to the party leadership and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him.

    He pledged to justify the trust by promoting inclusive leadership, transparency and people-oriented policies if elected governor.

    “I am deeply honoured by this confidence and overwhelming support from our great party. I accept this responsibility with humility and a strong commitment to serve the people of Katsina State diligently,” he said.

    The senator assured party faithful that he would carry everyone along and work towards uniting the PDP at all levels.

    Lado-Danmarke also called on members to remain steadfast and mobilise support for the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

    He said the PDP remained committed to addressing challenges facing the state, including insecurity, unemployment and poverty. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

  • Miyetti Allah urges FG loans for butchers to cut beef prices

    Miyetti Allah urges FG loans for butchers to cut beef prices

     

    Miye

     

     

    By Felicia Imohimi

    Abuja:The Miyetti-Allah Fulaku Yeso Yeso Development Association (MAFYDA) has urged the Federal Government to provide loan facilities to butchers nationwide to enable them buy cows directly from farmers at livestock markets, rather than through middlemen.

    The association said direct access to farmers would greatly reduce the high cost of beef, skin and offal across the country.

    Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), MAFYDA National Security Adviser, Comrade Pariya, identified middlemen between Fulani herders and butchers as major drivers of the rising prices.

    He said most butchers could not afford to buy cattle directly from farmers due to lack of funds and were compelled to buy on credit from dealers at inflated prices.

    “The dealers take advantage of the butchers’ financial challenges to exploit them,” Pariya said.

    “Most butchers usually pay them after selling the meat.

    “But if the government supports the butchers with loans, they can go to the cattle markets and buy the number of cows they need. In the long run, prices will crash across the country,” he said.

    Pariya said a large cow currently costs between N500,000 and N750,000 at livestock markets, but dealers often resell them for between N1.3 million and N1.5 million, depending on location.

    He also cited insecurity and high transportation costs as contributing factors to the price hike.

    “Security challenges play a role, but it’s often exaggerated. They will tell you there is a security threat in a certain location, but when you get there, you find nothing.

    “If butchers can go directly to the market and buy from farmers, everything will be easier,” he said.

    Also speaking, MAFYDA Secretary in Taraba, Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, attributed the high cost of beef to rising prices of veterinary drugs and vaccines, consultation fees, and lack of grazing land.

    NAN reports that a kilogramme of beef, which sold for between N5,500 and N6,500 earlier in the year, now costs between N8,000 and N9,000, depending on location. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

  • BACSAAN – Chams’ IDENTICO Sign MoU for a Major Economic Empowerment of Nigerian Skilled Artisans

    BACSAAN – Chams’ IDENTICO Sign MoU for a Major Economic Empowerment of Nigerian Skilled Artisans

     

    ( Middle: Sir Demola Aladekomo, Chairman CHAMS Corporation, Haj Fasasi Muhammad Jamiu, BACSAAN National President, in white; Damola Aladekola, Managing Director, IDENTICO shortly after the BACSAAN -IDENTICO MoU endorsement in Lagos last Wednesday)

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Lagos (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  The Builders, Construction and Skilled Artisans Association of Nigeria (BACSAAN) has entered into partnership with Chans’  IDENTICO for a rapid economic empowerment of the teeming artisans.in the country.

    (Sir Aladekomo signs the BACSAAN -IDENTICO MoU)

    Flowerbudnews reports that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), designed to effectively mark the take-off of the Unique economic collaboration between BACSAAN and IDENTICO, aimed at lifting Nigerian Skilled Artisans out of poverty, expose them to modern methodologies and diverse sources of income, was signed in Lagos on Wednesday last week.

    The MoU was signed by Haj Fasasi Muhammad Jamiu, the  BACSAAN  National President on behalf of Nigerian artisans, while Sir Demola Benjamin Aladekomo, Chairman, CHAMS Corporation endorsed for IDENTICO.

    Speaking during the historic event, Haj Fasasi described the BACSAAN -IDENTICO Collaboration as a major turning point, a potential life changing new beginning for the teeming, but downtrodden competent and hardworking Nigerian artisans.

    (BACSAAN President, Fasasi endorses the MoU)

    The BACSAAN leader further noted that the MoU endorsement ceremony would remain historic and an ever-to-be-remembered  event for artisans across Nigeria.

    Fasasi expressed appreciation of Nigerian artisans to Sir Aladekomo, for his unique and compassionate resolve to assist Nigerian artisans to embrace modern practices, and create for them avenues for extra income earnings.

    The BACSAAN National Leader assured Sir Aladekomo that Nigerian artisans would remain grateful to him for helping to open their eyes to possible modernisation of their skills and global exposure.

    He said that the BACSAAN Leaders would personally take the good news of the BACSAAN -IDENTICO partnership to all artisans across the country to fast track massive enlistment for the envisaged economic empowerment and social benefits.

    (IDENTICO MD, Damola Aladekola with Haj Isiaq Robiu, BACSAAN National Director of Operations)

    On his part, Sir Aladekomo assured the BACSAAN leaders of his corporation’s commitment to the success of the partnership project, saying, ‘:we will support you” and stand by you to bring a lot of your members on board.

    ‘:We have the solution and operational capabilities to help your members,” Sir Aladekomo stressed, disclosing that his conglomerate. CHAMS Corporation had acquired tremendous operational experience.

    He disclosed that CHAMS CORPORATION had successfully handled and anchored several critical national projects for the country, including the now popular and highly useful Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the National Identification Number (NIN) among others.

    Sir Aladekomo said that IDENTICO would particularly create respectable IDENTITY for BACSAAN members, enrol them for economic and financial benefits and open more empowerment opportunities for the artisans as the implementation of the MoU gained momentum.

    Flowerbudnews reports that BACSAAN Leaders present at the signing ceremony included, Haj Isiaq Robiu, the National Director of Operations, Hon. Biola Lawal, National Coordinator Communication, Strategy and Information, and Haj Isiaq Osolake, Secretary, National Working Committee and Coordinator, South West Operations.

    Also at the event was the Anchor man for the partnership project, Damola Aladekola, the Managing Director of IDENTICO. Others are. Dr. Olufemi Oyenuga, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CHAMS CORPORATION PLC, Dr. Aofolaju Tolulope, Managing Director, CHAMSMobile and Disu Ganiu also with CHAMSMobile among others. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)

  • Congratulations President Tinubu: Victory a Challenge to Our Great Party, APC — Osita Okechukwu

    Congratulations President Tinubu: Victory a Challenge to Our Great Party, APC — Osita Okechukwu

    Congratulations President Tinubu: Victory a Challenge to Our Great Party, APC — Osita Okechukwu

     

     

    The former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu, on his landslide victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election.

     

    Okechukwu, who is a foundation member of APC, gave the congratulatory message in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday in Enugu.

     

    He commended the leadership of the APC for adhering to the rule of law by experimenting, Athens invented direct primaries for the first time in our clime, across the 8,809 electoral wards nationwide.

     

     

    Okechukwu said that the exercise demonstrated APC’s observance of internal democracy; unlike our sister opposition party, the ADC, which is presently engulfed in Zoning turmoil over the election of its presidential flag-bearer.

     

    The APC chieftain, however, warned that President Tinubu’s landslide victory posed enormous challenges to the APC and it’s members.

     

    He said, “May I congratulate Mr. President for his landslide victory and join him in positing that the victory poses enormous challenges to our great party, because to whom much is given, much is expected.

     

     

    “In fact, I am in league with Mr. President in his profound statement: ‘I’m just excited; they challenge me to do more’.”

     

    Okechukwu further stated that the poll figures from many states were laudable and indicative of the confidence party members reposed in Tinubu.

     

    He cited figures such as Ogun State — 322,485 votes; Benue State — 374,787 votes; Rivers State — 280,082 votes; Delta State — 407,646 votes; Abia State — 161,005 votes; and Osun State — 100,880 votes.

     

     

    Going further, Okechukwu alerted that the huge results posed enormous challenges to the President, the 31 APC governors, and APC legislators to match the enviable score during the 2027 Presidential Election.

     

    He said, “My fears, for the tall order results are guided by many factors; among which are the history of low voter turnout and hunger in the land.

     

    “Palpable insecurity, gross unemployment, epileptic power supply, and the unfavourable Debt-to-Service-Revenue-ratio (DSR).”

     

    Okechukwu urged Tinubu and APC governors to double down urgently to addressing these citizens-based challenges in line with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, adding: “We have less than seven months to the D-Day General Elections”.

  • ADC Supporters Rally Behind Sabo Nakudu Ahead of Jigawa Governorship Primaries

    ADC Supporters Rally Behind Sabo Nakudu Ahead of Jigawa Governorship Primaries

    _Party Stakeholders Express Confidence in Nakudu’s Victory_

    Supporters of Distinguished Senator Mohammed Sabo Mohammed Nakudu, CON, Saturday, stormed his residence in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, in a show of solidarity ahead of the forthcoming governorship and State Assembly primary elections of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The gathering, attended by party loyalists and political stakeholders from across the state, was aimed at mobilizing support for Senator Nakudu’s governorship ambition under the platform of the ADC.

    Speaking during the meeting, former NNPP governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, Mallam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, who chaired the session on behalf of Senator Nakudu, said the meeting was convened to strategize ahead of the party’s primaries scheduled to hold across the 27 local government areas of the state on next Monday.

    Mallam Ringim told the gathering that Senator Nakudu was fully prepared to participate in the governorship primary election and expressed optimism that the former senator would emerge victorious.

    According to him, Senator Nakudu possesses the political experience, leadership qualities and grassroots support needed to secure the ADC governorship ticket and lead the party to success in the state.

    He further stated that, with the grace of Almighty Allah and the collective support of party members, Senator Nakudu would clinch the party’s governorship ticket.

    The former governorship candidate also called on ADC members and supporters across Jigawa State to remain united and massively support the candidature of Senator Sabo Nakudu in order to strengthen the party ahead of the forthcoming elections.

    Political observers believe the growing support for Senator Nakudu within the ADC may reshape the political landscape ahead of the next electoral contest in Jigawa State.

  • Children’s Day: Foundation unveils 2 initiatives for dream actualisation 

    Children’s Day: Foundation unveils 2 initiatives for dream actualisation 

    Children’s Day: Foundation unveils 2 initiatives for dream actualisation

     

    Miss Ayomitide Ebo, Founder Estelle Education Foundation

     

    By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

    The Estelle Education Foundation has unveiled two initiatives, “The Girl Re-Script Project” and “Adopt A Future”, to help children in the actualisation of their dreams.

     

    Founder of the Foundation, Miss Ayomitide Ebo made this known while unveiling the initiatives on Saturday in Ilorin, at the foundation’s 2026 Children’s Day Programme.

     

    The theme of the Programme is “The Power of a Child’s Dream”.

     

    She said that, an investment in a child is an investment in the future of the society itself.

     

    “The Girl Re-Script Project is a dedicated initiative designed to support teenage girls who have had to leave school due to early pregnancy or forced marriage.

     

    “For many of these young women, the loss of education leads to a life of total financial dependency, our mission is to break that cycle.

     

    “By providing vocational training, mentorship, and essential life skills, we aim to help these girls move from a place of forced reliance to one of self-sufficiency.

     

    “We want them to know that their mistakes, pain, or circumstances do not have to define the rest of their lives.

     

    “We believe every girl deserves the chance to re-script her story and build a future defined by her own potential rather than her past circumstances.

     

    “Because when society gives up on a girl child, we lose more than one life, we lose dreams, leadership, creativity, and generations of possibilities,” she said.

     

    Miss Ebo added that “Adopt A Future” is an initiative where individuals, families, and organizations can support the education of secondary school students by sponsoring their school fees and learning materials, including textbooks and essential academic resources.

     

    “Sponsors will receive termly updates, including academic progress reports, notes on performance, and general development updates about their adopted child, thereby ensuring transparency,” she said.

     

    Miss Ebo said the children’s day programme was to serve as a reminder that child’s dream may seem small today, but the dreams of children often become the solutions of tomorrow.

     

    An education expert, Dr James Adewale tasked parents and teachers to help children nurture their dreams for them to be successful.

     

    Adewale said parents should be observant to know their child’s dream and guide them to pursue them.

     

    He further advised teachers not to kill the dream of their pupils with words and actions, but rather encourage them with affirmative word.

     

    In her remarks, Miss Faith Adaramola also urged the children to pay attention to their dreams and pursue it by being serious and determined.

     

    Chairman of the occasion, Dr Segun Oyelabi said the power of a child’s dream is unlimited, hence the importance to support their dreams and help them materialise it.

     

    Highlights of the programme was a Spelling Bee Competition, games and presentation of certificates to all the children

  • Folarin, Adelabu commend peaceful APC presidential primary

    Folarin, Adelabu commend peaceful APC presidential primary

    Folarin, Adelabu commend peaceful APC presidential primary

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, and former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, have commended the peaceful conduct of the APC presidential primary in Oyo State.

     

    Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) turned out in large numbers for the exercise held across the state.

    Across several wards in Ibadan and other parts of the state, party faithful queued peacefully to cast their votes under the supervision of electoral officials.

     

    Folarin monitored the voting process at Ward 5 in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, where he praised party members for the impressive turnout.

     

    “I have been moving around town, and my observation is that there is appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s efforts, real and true appreciation.

     

    “Support from the people is truly organic, and I think we are good to go.

     

    “To improve the votes of the president by 35 per cent has always been the target, and I believe we can achieve that.

     

    “The turnout today shows acceptance of the president.

     

    “Truly, things have been tough for some time, but people also understand why things have been tough, and they are prepared to support the president to the end.

     

    “They believe the next four years will be better, and I also believe that it will be much better.

     

    “There is an energy crisis all over the world, but people are prepared to stick with the president due to the capability he has demonstrated.

     

    “The right thing to do is to stick with the president, and we will begin to see real changes in his next term,” he said.

     

    Speaking separately, Adelabu monitored the exercise at Ward 9 in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area.

     

    He described the overwhelming support shown by APC members in Oyo State as a reflection of President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening internal democracy within the party.

     

    “I have not noticed any infraction, irregularity or misconduct.

     

    “There is a peaceful atmosphere, and people came out en masse to ensure that President Tinubu is re-elected for a second term.

     

    “I can tell you that this particular election of Mr President is 100 per cent credible.

     

    “My message to Nigerians is to join the good people of our party and ensure that President Tinubu proceeds to win the general election.

     

    “This is a vote of confidence in the president,” Adelabu said.